born and raised twice in the bay, I preach Jesus and him crucified
My family history is cratered with the impact of addiction. I have lost loved ones, seen families ripped apart, and lived through the results of various addictive behaviors. I have seen communities lose their most generous benefactors. I have drug people out of businesses who were so drunk they could no longer move on their... Continue Reading →
As part of a forthcoming publication, I'm compiling a list of common Messianic Texts in the Hebrew Bible. I am curious: what passage(s) from the Old Testament do you think tell us about the Messiah? From the Torah Genesis 3:15 - The seed of the woman will crush the serpent's head. Genesis 12:3; 18:18; 22:18 - In Abraham's seed,... Continue Reading →
As we read Job, we encounter a man besieged by profound suffering and loss. His friends, who come with the intention of comfort, provide what Job calls “windy words” instead of solace and understanding. Job’s frustration with their lack of empathy and genuine support is captured vividly in his lament: “I have heard many such... Continue Reading →
At the heart of Christian worship lies a practice rich in grace and remembrance: the Lord's Supper. This act, observed in countless gatherings every Sunday, invites us into a narrative far beyond our own, directly shaped by Jesus Himself. Through the Eucharist, we engage with the profound mystery of sharing in Christ's body and blood,... Continue Reading →
The journey of a quarterback is both celebrated and scrutinized. Consider this: of the 67 quarterbacks who have had the privilege to start in all 58 Super Bowls, 36 experienced the heartbreak of defeat in their first outing. Yet, among these, a resilient few—only three—overcame this setback, returning to compete again and secure victory. Their... Continue Reading →
Phillip W. Martin 